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Michele Pirro has been following the development project of the new Panigale V4 step by step. With the Ducati test rider, busy this weekend at Racing Night in Misano, we shared an interview that traces what has been the road that led to the birth of the new Rossa.
A path that began two years ago, which saw the V4 change and mark a turning point in the Ducati world seasoned with innovations that led to a real revolution.
"The first time I tried the new Panigale V4 was two years ago, at Mugello," he began, " I remember that day well because there was so much curiosity. As you have all seen the new Ducati represents a turning point for our company and personally I am happy with what we have done and the product brought to the track. At the Race of Champions the bike showed high performance without experiencing any problems."
What has been your mission?
"Over the years I have been busting Ducati's balls a lot to steer development in a certain direction. In fact, my goal was to transfer the sensations of a MotoGP bike to a road bike, and I think we have succeeded because the Panigale V4 offers fans the same sensations as a Desmosedici."
The new bike has many new features especially the double-arm swingarm.
"Of course, that is the most visible component. Most probably the single-sided swingarm represents the DNA of Ducati but this new feature is a further step forward in terms of sensations when an enthusiast is riding. We also improved the stiffness of the frame as well as the electronics by introducing combined braking. I think no other manufacturer has done as much as Ducati has with the new Panigale V4."
How big is the jump from the previous V4?
"I think it is an easier and improved bike. The braking is indeed different because of the combined braking as well as the seating and the character itself of the bike. Personally, I am of the opinion that we have reached the point where we are talking about a street MotoGP bike. It's been a long road, because before me only 5-6 people had tested the bike, but at the end of each test the feedback we had was more and more encouraging, and all this led us to develop a new project."
This V4 is a turning point. Looking back on Ducati's history, what other bike would you compare it to?
"I would say to the GP15. The value of the change I think is the same. With the GP15 Ducati turned the MotoGP project around across the board, writing a new story on a blank sheet of paper. With this Panigale V4 we are writing a revolution similar to what we did nine years ago in MotoGP."
We saw Pecco's shooting at Imola with the new Ducati. What did he say to you?
"Pecco was impressed right away and I think it showed at WDW as well. The same goes for Marc Marquez as well as Andrea Iannone, both very happy. From my side there was obviously some tension, because it was a completely new project and maybe hiccups can happen. Instead, everything went well."
